DUBUQUE, Iowa — Albert Joseph Manders, a 70-year-old white male, was arrested Friday, March 27, 2026, at approximately 10:10 a.m. at 398 Main St. on two felony charges: Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (Forcible Fondling) and Lascivious Acts With a Child (Forcible Fondling).

The arrest occurred under case number 2026001832 and was handled by Officer T.J. Warner of the Dubuque Police Department. Authorities took Manders into custody at the downtown address following allegations of non-consensual sexual contact involving a child.

Charges Explained

•  Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree: A Class B felony under Iowa law, typically involving sexual contact by force or against a minor in certain circumstances. It carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

•  Lascivious Acts With a Child: Involves fondling or other sexual touching of a child for the purpose of arousal or gratification, often classified as a Class C felony when forcible elements are alleged. Penalties can include up to 10 years in prison, fines, and post-release supervision.

Manders is being held on $35,000 at the Dubuque County Detention Center and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He will appear in Dubuque County District Court, where a judge will address bond, potential no-contact orders, and further proceedings.

As a developing case from the same day as the arrest, additional information is expected through official court filings and local law enforcement.

Suspected child abuse can be reported confidentially to Iowa’s Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178. Victim support services are available through local advocacy organizations in the Dubuque area.

This incident underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address allegations of sexual offenses against children in the community.

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